I love a good sandwich, and there’s something extra special about a pile of tender, slow-cooked meat on a soft bun. Today, I’m bringing you two fantastic recipes that are perfect for gatherings or just a comforting meal at home: my easy pulled beef sandwich and delicious pulled chicken sandwiches.
These recipes focus on simple steps and big flavors, making them ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward way to create amazing food. I know you’ll enjoy how easy these pulled meat recipes are to make!
Jump to Recipe:
Perfect Pulled Beef Sandwich Recipe
This pulled beef sandwich recipe is incredibly tender and packed with flavor, thanks to slow cooking. It’s a great choice for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Beef Prep Tips
- The Right Cut: I find that a beef chuck roast works best for pulled beef. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become wonderfully tender over a long cooking time.
- Slow Cooker Ease: Using a slow cooker makes this recipe almost hands-off. You can set it and forget it until it’s time to shred.
- Bun Choice: Pick a sturdy but soft bun that can hold up to all that juicy pulled beef without falling apart. Brioche buns are a nice option.
What You Need for Pulled Beef
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce, divided
- 6-8 sandwich buns
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
⏱️ Time: Prep 15 min | Cook 6-8 hours🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Pulled Beef
Step 1: Prep the Beef for Slow Cooking
Start by seasoning your beef chuck roast all over with salt and black pepper. Next, slice the onion and mince the garlic. These simple steps get your ingredients ready for cooking.
Step 2: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef into your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and about 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Put the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to shred.
Step 3: Shred and Serve Your Beef Sandwiches
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the beef apart. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker with the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce and mix well. Serve warm on your favorite sandwich buns.
📝 Final Note on Pulled Beef
If you have any leftover pulled beef, it stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s great reheated or used in tacos or quesadillas!
Delicious Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
These pulled chicken sandwiches are wonderfully moist and packed with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. They come together quickly in a slow cooker, making them perfect for busy days when you still want a hearty meal.
Key Ingredients & Chicken Tips
- Chicken Options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs often stay a bit more moist.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the seasoning before cooking. It helps build a good base of flavor for your pulled chicken.
- Toppings Add Texture: A simple coleslaw or some pickles add a nice bit of crunch and tang to your finished sandwich.
What You Need for Pulled Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4-6 sandwich buns
⏱️ Time: Prep 10 min | Cook 3-4 hours🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Pulled Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over all sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and about 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
Step 3: Shred and Sauce for Sandwiches
Carefully take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and place it on a clean surface. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and stir everything together well. Serve your warm pulled chicken on sandwich buns.
📝 Final Note on Pulled Chicken
This pulled chicken is fantastic in wraps, on top of baked potatoes, or even mixed into a simple salad for a quick lunch the next day. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days.